Rail fastener



Aug. 21, "1928. 1,681,802 s. GAGLIARDI ET AL I RAIL ms'mnnn Filed Sept. 13, 1927 Inventory Jkmuel (713d Zz'an/z' E Bra ZZZO @ZMM Atzorneiy Patented Aug. 21, 1928 UNITED STATES SAMUEL GAGLIARDI AND FRANK BRUTTO, OF MISSOULA, MONTANA.

RAIL FASTENER.

Application filed September 13, 1927. Serial No. 219,264.

This invention relates to fasteners for railway rails and has for an object to provide a fastening device of this character adapted to extend transversely between the rails and having means at each end for gripping the outer edge of each rail whereby to prevent any spreading action therebetween.

Another object is to construct the fastener in sections and providing an interlocking gripping means for the adjacent ends of each section so as to firmly attach the same against transverse movement with respect to the rails.

A still further object is to arrange the fastener so as to provide a seat for the rail and constructing the fastener in such a manner as to enable rail spikes to be driven thercthrough whereby to firmly attach the same to the railroad tie.

An additional object is to provide an insulation plate adapted to be interposed between the fastener and the rail for use on tracks provided with block signalling systerns.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an article of this character of simple and practical construction, strong and durable, efficient and reliable in perform ance, inexpensive to manufacture, and otherwise well adapted for the purposes for which the same is intended.

Other objects and advantages reside in the special construction and combination of the various elements forming the invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a transverse sectional view through a railroad track showing the rail fastener in elevation in connected position with respect to the rails.

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of one section of the fastener.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the insulation plate.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of the interlocking end of one of the sections, and,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view, showing the insulation plate in position upon the fastener.

Referring to the drawings in detail, our invention comprises a pair of rail fastener sections indicated at 5, each section being formed of an elongated strip of iron having one end provided with a lug 6, the inner edge of which is beveled or undercut as indicated at 7 whereby to receive the flange 8 of a rail 9.

The opposite end of each section extends midway between the rails and is provided with a head 10 extending slightly above the surface of the fastener and having its inner face beveled or undercut as shown at 11.

The inwardly disposed end of one of the sections is offset as shown at 12 with the head 13 formed at the end thereof extending in a downward direction and likewise provided at its inner edge with a beveled or undercut section 14, whereby to form an interlocking connection with the head 10 of the opposite section.

The beveled or undercut edges of each of the heads 10 and 13 are disposed at an inclined angle as indicated at 15 in Figure 2 of the drawing which facilitates the engaging of the beveled edges of the heads with each other.

Each of the sections is provided with openings 16 by means of which rail spikes 17 may be driven therethrough into the rail tie 18 so as to firmly secure the sections in looked position to the ties.

It is obvious that upon seating the rails 9 upon the ends of each section with the flanges 8 of the rail arranged under the undercut 7 of the lugs 6 that spreading action bet-ween the rails will be impossible.

An insulation block 19 formed of a shape complementary with the connected end of each section of the fastener is arranged to fit over the end thereof whereby to form an insulation between the sections to prevent the transmission of electrical current through the opposite rails. This insulation block is adapted for use on tracks equipped with block signaling systems.

The fastener not only provides means for preventing spreading of the rails but also provides a seat for each of the rails thereby preventing the rails from wearing into the ties as frequently happens where the track is subject to heavy trailic. Furthermore the gage of the rails is constantly maintained which avoids the necessity of frequent inspection and lining up for the purpose of resetting the track to the regulation gage.

It is obvious that the invention is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing-from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed or sacrificing any of its advantages, and we accordingly claim all such forms or the device to which we are entitled.

We claim 1. In combination, a sectional rail fastener comprising a pair of fastener sect-ions having their outer ends engageable with the opposite rails of a railway and their inner ends provided with inter-gripping heads, and an insulator plate carried by one of said heads and retained in position between said heads by reason of the intergripping engagement thereof.

2. In combination, a sectional rail fastener comprising a pair of fastener sections having their outer ends engageable with the opposite rails of a railway, and their inner ends provided with inter gripping heads,

and an insulator plate formed with a return bend with its ends arranged in spaced parallel relation and extended longitudinal- 1y along the upper and lower faces of one of the fastener section and having its intermediate section shaped complementary to the head of said section to form a cover for the same and retained in position thereon by reason of the intergripping engagement of the heads, the ends of said insulation plate and the fastener section having aligned openings formed therein whereby to secure the sections and the plate together.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures.

SAMUEL GAGLIARDI. FRANK BRUTTO. 

